Drivers have been left outraged after footage emerged of a mobile speed camera hidden in bushes and hidden from unsuspecting drivers.
The camera was captured while travelling along a road in Yugar, on the outskirts of Brisbane.
A passerby took a photo of the stealthy setup and claimed there were no warning signs posted in the area.
Social media users were furious after some described the law as a revenue-raising scheme.
“If (speed cameras) are hidden, it’s not about security, it’s about revenue,” argued one.
“Remember, it’s definitely for safety and not to raise money,” another repeated sarcastically.
One joked that revenue collection was essential to make up for money lost after the state government cut public transport fares.
“Somehow they have to pay for the 50 cent public transport,” they wrote.
A security camera hidden under the dappled light of a eucalyptus tree has sparked a debate
Other drivers defended the measure, arguing that there was no problem for those who respected the speed limit.
“A speed camera is pointless if you have enough time to slow down and then speed up again,” one said.
‘The point is not to rush because you know you won’t see it before you’re done.’
“How about you just don’t speed. You won’t get in trouble if you don’t,” another added.
Many were confused about the legality of the camera placement, comparing New South Wales’s mobile camera laws to those in Queensland.
In New South Wales, the state government requires drivers to be warned “that they are approaching a fixed digital speed camera”.
Vehicles with cameras are marked in both states, however around 30 per cent of them in Queensland are not.
Queensland Police said they could not verify the exact location or camera in the footage, but said their ‘TruCam’ speed camera can be mounted on a tripod and has been used by the force for several years.
Queensland Police use a variety of different speed control devices to monitor motorists.
Speeding in Queensland carries heavy fines. If you drive between 11 and 20 km/h over the speed limit, you can be hit with fines of $464 and three demerit points.
Driving between 20 and 30 km/h over the speed limit carries a fine of $696 and a penalty of four demerit points.
Stuart Thistlewood, chief executive of the company behind driving school EasyAs, said the clip was posted as a “lighthearted” observation with a serious implication.
“These types of cameras are becoming more common and while we understand the need for enforcement, their sudden appearance can catch drivers off guard, particularly newer drivers who may feel less safe,” he said. Yahoo.
Mr Thistlewood advised novice drivers to take care on the roads.
‘Learn drivers and particularly those with a P licence should always drive slightly below the speed limit as they have fewer points to spare.’